February 17, 2009

Burris remarks in Peoria

Here's a transcript of the brief remarks by Sen. Roland Burris in Peoria today.

“Members of the press, I will have a prepared text, and I will not be responding to questions.

"I have made an effort to be as transparent as I can, and I'm willing to take a further step as I have nothing to hide.

"I welcome the opportunity to go before any and all investigative bodies, including those referred by Illinois Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan and the Senate Ethics Committee to answer any questions they have.

"In fact, earlier today, one of my advisers placed a call to the Sangamon County State's Atty. John Schmidt in an attempt to inform them that I welcome the opportunity to meet with him to review the facts in this matter and provide (a) full and complete account of my actions, statements and contacts.

"I look forward to sitting down with the federal officials and addressing this with them, and I support having any other body or agency look into my testimony, as it was truthful and consistent.

"There were never any inappropriate conversations between me and anyone else. And I will answer any and all questions to get that point across to keep my faith with the citizens of Illinois. We are working on a concise document that will be provided to the public later this week.

"Thank you very much, and God bless each and every one of you all in the media."

Comments

Cesar, I think you're wrong: Roland Burris knew EXACTLY what he was doing, every step and mis-step of the way in pursuit of his dream of being the "Trailblazer". Smart enough to know he was finished politically, he jumped through every hoop Blogojevich put up to get that last crowning victory, a seat in the United States Senate. Rather than being a "casualty", his was a willing accomplice.
Blogo and Burris are Bums. Throw them both in the slammer.

All 50 aldermen on the Chicago City Council had to file paperwork earlier this year detailing their outside income and gifts. The Tribune took that ethics paperwork and posted the information here for you to see. You can search by ward number or alderman's last name.

The Cook County Assessor's office has put together lists of projected median property tax bills for all suburban towns and city neighborhoods. We've posted them for you to get a look at who's paying more and who's paying less.

Past posts

Clout has a special meaning in Chicago, where it can be a noun, a verb or an adjective. This exercise of political influence in a uniquely Chicago style was chronicled in the Tribune cartoon "Clout Street" in the early 1980s. Clout Street, the blog, offers an inside look at the politics practiced from Chicago's City Hall to the Statehouse in Springfield, through the eyes of the Tribune's political and government reporters.